THE WALL OF FACES

I was merely 6 when you died but I remember each year going to the Memorial at J. E. Wheelock Fire Station with my dad to honor you. My older siblings shared great stories about growing up with you.
I now understand those tears; for your honor, courage, commitment and bravery. I have never forgotten you! Thank you for our freedom.

Even though we never met I look alot like you. When I was born my birthmark would be where your fatal wound had entered. I don't like war movies or thoughts of war maybe because it reminds me of who and what I missed out on ..you! R.I.P

Read about your death and about you in a book titled Between the Lines. I wanted you to know you are not forgotten and like my uncle you sacrificed all. Rest in peace.

Gary Lee Heeman is my namesake. I share the exact same name. He was fatally shot in Quang Nam 15-Jan 1969.

He would have been my uncle, the brother of my father Dale Heeman. They were both Marines, Gary and my father, and very close brothers growing up. My father had to fly Gary back to his final resting place in Sayre, PA where they grew up and I fear the experience haunts him to this day as well as leaves a hole in the collective heart of the family.

Uncle Gary, I just wanted to say that I've been told I'm a haunting image of you from the face, and probably share a god bit of your personality. You never got to know me, but you're in my blood, and I'm proud to say it! And I'm glad I was named after you.

Peace be with you....

If any family members or friends care to contact me please leave your information. I'd love to know more about him.